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Bay Street Players Season

2007-2008 Season Press Releases of the Historic State Theatre in Eustis, Florida
February 1, 2008 - BAY STREET PLAYERS ANNOUNCE 34TH SEASON

For Immediate Release
February 1, 2008
Contact: Elizabeth Scholl
407.221.3412

BAY STREET PLAYERS ANNOUNCE 2008-2009 SEASON

Plans are underway for the 34th Season at the renovated Historic State Theatre


(Eustis, FL) - Bay Street Players community theatre in downtown Eustis is pleased to announce the productions chosen for the 34th season. While tickets will not be available for purchase until the Spring, plans are already underway for the 2008-2009 Season. The 34th Season offers something for everyone - new works, award winning comedy and drama and plenty of music. Patrons will be delighted to learn all ticket prices will remain the same, as well as a continued commitment to excellent productions and programming that has become a standard in Central Florida.


Bay Street Players is a non-profit organization striving to create a showcase theatre that is central to the cultural life and development of the community. To learn more about Bay Street Players, call the Box Office at 352.357.7777 or visit www.baystreetplayers.org. The Box Office is located at the historic State Theatre, 109 N. Bay Street, Eustis and is open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Announcing 34th Main Stage Season Schedule

Driving Miss Daisy
September 26-October 19, 2008
By: Alfred Uhry

Miracle on Bay Street
The Magic of Music for the Holidays

November 21-December 14, 2008

The Full Monty, the musical
February 6, 2009 - March 1, 2009
Music by: David Yazbek
Lyrics by: David Yazbek
Book by: Terrence McNally

A Man For All Seasons
April 10, 2009 - May 3, 2009
By Robert Bolt

Oklahoma
July 10, 2009 - August 2, 2009
Music by Richard Rodgers
Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Based on the play "Green Grow the Lilacs" by Lynn Riggs

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January 7, 2008 - SHE LOVE ME OPENS AT BAY STREET PLAYERS FEBRUARY 1, 2008

For Immediate Release
January 7, 2008
Contact: Elizabeth Scholl
407.221.3412

SHE LOVES ME OPENS AT BAY STREET PLAYERS FEBRUARY 1, 2008.

Considered by many to be the most charming musical ever written, She Loves Me will play four weeks at the Historic State Theatre in downtown Eustis.

(Eustis, FL) She Loves Me, a romantic musical comedy, opens Friday February 1 and runs four weekends closing February 24 at the renovated State Theatre in downtown Eustis. An ideal Valentine's treat, She Loves Me is an intimate show, considered by many to be the most charming musical ever written.

In She Loves Me, book by Joe Masteroff, the main characters Georg and Amalia are two feuding clerks in a European parfumerie during the 1930s who secretly find solace in their anonymous romantic pen pals, little knowing their respective correspondents are none other than each other. Based on a 1936 play Parfumerie by Miklos Laszlo, the plot is familiar having appeared in numerous incantations ranging from the Judy Garland film, In The Good Old Summertime, to the contemporary film featuring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, You've Got Mail.

She Loves Me is by the same songwriting team of Fiddler On The Roof (Jerry Bock music and Sheldon Harnick lyrics) and the same book writer of Cabaret. It is funny, intelligent, honest and sentimental; She Loves Me is a warm comedy with an endearing innocence and a touch of old world elegance and nostalgia, yet as universal and relevant as ever in this age of internet romances.

Direction and set design are by BSP's Artistic Director, David Clevinger. The production team includes: Timothy D. Turner, Musical Director; William Dumas, Lighting Designer; and Patrick Adams, Costume Designer. The cast includes Central Florida favorites, Joel Warren, Heather Good, Ben Rush, Jennifer Bonner, Jeff Lindberg and Mike Funaro.

Production dates for She Loves Me are February 1-24, 2008. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening performances begin at 8:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinee performances begin at 2:30 p.m. Patrons attending the opening night production February 1st will be treated to a wine and cheese reception with the cast.

Tickets are $18.00 except on Wednesday or Thursday when they are $15.00. Call the Box Office at 352.357.7777 or visit www.baystreetplayers.org to purchase tickets online. Group discounts, season tickets and gift certificates are available. The Box Office is located at the historic State Theatre, 109 N. Bay Street, Eustis and is open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and 11:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday.

She Loves Me is sponsored in part by United Arts of Central Florida. Bay Street Players is a proud participant of ArtsFest 2008.

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November 19, 2007 - EVERYBODY LOVES OPAL OPENS NOVEMBER 30TH
For Immediate Release
November 19, 2007
Contact: Elizabeth Scholl
407.221.3412
 
EVERYBODY LOVES OPAL OPENS NOVEMBER 30TH AT BAY STREET PLAYERS  RUNNING THROUGH DECEMBER 16TH.
 
 CHEERFUL COMEDY MAKES THE SEASON FUN AT THE HISTORIC STATE THEATRE.
 
(Eustis, FL) Everybody Loves Opal, a comedy by Tony Award winning playwright John Patrick, begins a three week run on November 30th at the historic State Theatre in downtown Eustis.  This cheerful comedy is a perfect treat for the holidays.
 
Everybody Loves Opal is a wacky, extravagant comedy about the infectiously cheerful Opal and a trio of down and out con artists who think Opal needs plenty of insurance and a rapid demise. Opal Kronkie, a middle-aged recluse, lives in a tumble-down mansion at the edge of the municipal dump. The general disarray of her establishment is aggravated by the fact that Opal collects things--anything that can be toted home in her little wagon. Opal is also an optimist, and no matter how mean her lot, she responds with unfailing kindness and an abiding faith in the goodness of human nature.  The crazy scheme and its outrageous outcome will leave the audience in stitches!
 
The cast stars Debra Sussman as Opal and features actors David Bray (Officer Jankie), Al Brosman (Bradford), Hank DeLorme (Doctor), Emily Sowell (Gloria), James Zelley (Sol), and Midas the cat (Mr. Tanner, a cat).  Set Design and Direction are by BSP's Artistic Director, David Clevinger, with lighting design by William A. Dumas, and costume design by Patrick Adams. 
 
Everybody Loves Opal runs for three weekends through December 16, 2007. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings performances begin at 8:00 p.m. This production offers matinee performances every Saturday and Sunday that begin at 2:30 p.m.   There will be one Wednesday performance on December 12th at 8:00 p.m. 
 
Tickets are $18.00 except on Wednesday or Thursday when they are $15.00. Call the Box Office at 352.357.7777 or visit www.baystreetplayers.org to purchase tickets online. Group discounts, multi-pass tickets and gift certificates are available. The Box Office is located at the historic State Theatre, 109 N. Bay Street, Eustis and is open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and 11:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday. 
 
Everybody Loves Opal  is sponsored in part by Bell & Roper, P.A. and United Arts of Central Florida.
 
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October 10, 2007 - I DO! I DO!  HELD OVER AT BAY STREET PLAYERS FOR TWO SHOWS ONLY

For Immediate Release
October 10, 2007
Contact: Elizabeth Scholl
Bay Street Players
407.221.3412

I DO! I DO!  HELD OVER AT BAY STREET PLAYERS FOR TWO SHOWS ONLY

MUSICAL COMEDY, I DO! I DO!, CONTINUES FOR TWO HELD OVER PERFORMANCES ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH – 8:00 PM AND SUNDAY NOVEMBER 11TH  - 2:30 PM.
                                                               
(Eustis, FL)…After enjoying a successful four week run of the musical comedy I Do! I Do!, the Bay Street Players are extending the production dates for two additional performances at the renovated State Theatre in downtown Eustis.  Tickets are now on sale for Friday, November 9 at 8:00 PM and Sunday, November 11 at 2:30 PM.  Based on the play, The Fourposter by Jan de Hartog, this endearing and tuneful musical marks the start of the 33rd Bay Street Players season at the historic State Theatre.   

The story of a marriage is at the center of this intimate and nostalgic work by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones, the authors of The Fantasticks. The show begins with Michael and Agnes on their wedding day and traces their life together over a period of 50 years, until the day they leave their house to the next pair of newlyweds. In that time we watch them go through their wedding night jitters, raise a family, negotiate mid-life crises, quarrel, separate, reconcile and grow old together, all lovingly to the strains of a tuneful, charming score which includes the standard "My Cup Runneth Over."

Executive Director Elizabeth Drew Scholl and audience favorite Ashley Richards play the two characters AGNES and MICHAEL.  Set Design and Direction are by BSP’s Artistic Director, David Clevinger, who assembled an expert production team including:  Timothy D. Turner as Musical Director, William Dumas as Lighting Designer, Bonnie Swanson as Costume Designer, and a dedicated  troupe of volunteers. 

I Do! I Do! will be performed on Friday, November 9th at 8:00 p.m, and also on Sunday November 11th for a matinee performances beginning at 2:30 p.m.  

Tickets are $18.00 for adults and reservations can be made by calling the Box Office at 352.357.7777 or online at  www.baystreetplayers.org. Group discounts, season tickets and gift certificates are available. The Box Office is located at the historic State Theatre, 109 N. Bay Street in downtown Eustis and it is open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

I Do! I Do! is sponsored in part by United Arts of Central Florida.

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October 10, 2007 - TONY AWARD WINNING COMEDY ' ART' LAUNCHES THE BAY STREET PROJECT .

For Immediate Release
October 10, 2007
Contact: Elizabeth Scholl
407.221.3412

TONY AWARD WINNING COMEDY, ‘ARTOPENS OCTOBER 25th FOR A LIMITED THREE NIGHT RUN AT BAY STREET PLAYERS.

TONY AWARD WINNING COMEDY LAUNCHES THE BAY STREET PROJECT AT THE RENOVATED STATE THEATRE.

(Eustis, FL)… ART’, winner of the 1998 Tony Award for Best Play, and winner of the 1996 Olivier Award for Best Comedy will open Thursday October 25 and run for three nights through October 27.  This production marks the start of The Bay Street Project at the historic State Theatre in downtown Eustis.   

The Bay Street Project, an expansion of the Bay Street Players 33rd season, takes its cue from classic theatrical favorites by paving a road to the more contemporary box office successes of today. This season they are inviting Bay Street audiences to enjoy a branded franchise of small scale black box productions, staged readings and cabarets, with The Bay Street Project.  The first production scheduled is a Tony Award winning comedy, ART by Yasmina Reza.

How much would you pay for a white painting? Would it matter who the painter was? Would it be art?  ART by Yasmina Reza with translation by Christopher Hampton, explores a tale of friendship and mid life crisis at the expensive of one piece of art.  Critics have called ART:  "…wildly funny, naughtily provocative…" —NY Post, and "…a nonstop cross-fire of crackling language, serious issues of life and art …" —Newsweek , "Anyone looking for a play that is funny, sophisticated, stylish, stimulating and moving should go to 'ART'." —Independent (London).

Cast members are Pat Ward as Serge, Stephen Lima as Marc, and Rick Paulin as Yvan.  The production is Guest Directed by Joel Warren and it will be performed as a fully staged reading.  The production team includes William Dumas as Lighting Designer and BSP’s Artistic Director David Clevinger as Scenic Designer.

ART will be presented as a limited three night run October 25-27.  All performances begin at 8:00 p.m. and will feature a talk back with the cast following all three performances.  ART contains adult language.

Tickets are $10.00.  Call the Box Office at 352.357.7777 or visit www.baystreetplayers.org to purchase tickets online. Group discounts, season tickets and gift certificates are available. The Box Office is located at the historic State Theatre, 109 N. Bay Street, Eustis and is open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and 11:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday. 

ART is sponsored in part by United Arts of Central Florida.

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October 10, 2007 - I DO! I DO! CONTINUES AT BAY STREET PLAYERS FOR TWO MORE WEEKENDS.
For Immediate Release
October 10, 2007
Contact: Elizabeth Scholl
407.221.3412

I DO! I DO! CONTINUES AT BAY STREET PLAYERS FOR TWO MORE WEEKENDS THROUGH OCTOBER 21ST.

MUSICAL COMEDY LAUNCHES THE START OF THE 33RD SEASON AT THE RENOVATED STATE THEATRE.


( Eustis , FL ) I Do! I Do! , the musical comedy, continues its run for two weekends closing October 21st at the renovated State Theatre in downtown Eustis. Based on the play, The Fourposter by Jan de Hartog, this endearing and tuneful musical marks the start of the 33rd Bay Street Players season at the historic State Theatre.

The story of a marriage is at the center of this intimate and nostalgic work by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones, the authors of The Fantasticks. The show begins with Michael and Agnes on their wedding day and traces their life together over a period of 50 years, until the day they leave their house to the next pair of newlyweds. In that time we watch them go through their wedding night jitters, raise a family, negotiate mid-life crises, quarrel, separate, reconcile and grow old together, all lovingly to the strains of a tuneful, charming score which includes the standard "My Cup Runneth Over."

Executive Director Elizabeth Drew Scholl and audience favorite Ashley Richards play the two characters AGNES and MICHAEL. Set Design and Direction are by BSP's Artistic Director, David Clevinger, who assembled an expert production team including: Timothy D. Turner as Musical Director, William Dumas as Lighting Designer, Bonnie Swanson as Costume Designer, and a dedicated troupe of volunteers.

I Do! I Do! continues through October 21, 2007. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings performances begin at 8:00 p.m. Sunday matinee performances begin at 2:30 p.m. There will be one Wednesday performance on October 17 at 8:00p.m., and one Saturday matinee performance on October 20 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $18.00 except on Wednesday or Thursday when they are $15.00. Call the Box Office at 352.357.7777 or visit www.baystreetplayers.org to purchase tickets online. Group discounts, season tickets and gift certificates are available. The Box Office is located at the historic State Theatre, 109 N. Bay Street, Eustis and is open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and 11:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday.

I Do! I Do! is sponsored in part by United Arts of Central Florida.
September 24, 2007 - MUSICAL COMEDY I DO! I DO! LAUNCHES THE START OF THE 33RD SEASON .

For Immediate Release
September 24, 2007
Contact: Elizabeth Scholl
407.221.3412

I DO! I DO!  OPENS AT BAY STREET PLAYERS SEPTEMBER 28, 2007.

 MUSICAL COMEDY LAUNCHES THE START OF THE 33RD SEASON AT THE RENOVATED STATE THEATRE.
(Eustis, FL)… I Do! I Do! opens Friday September 28th  and runs four weekends closing October 21st at the renovated State Theatre in downtown Eustis.  Based on the play, The Fourposter by Jan de Hartog, this endearing and tuneful musical marks the start of the 33rd Bay Street Players season at the historic State Theatre.    


The story of a marriage is at the center of this intimate and nostalgic work by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones, the authors of The Fantasticks. The show begins with Michael and Agnes on their wedding day and traces their life together over a period of 50 years, until the day they leave their house to the next pair of newlyweds. In that time we watch them go through their wedding night jitters, raise a family, negotiate mid-life crises, quarrel, separate, reconcile and grow old together, all lovingly to the strains of a tuneful, charming score which includes the standard "My Cup Runneth Over."


Audience favorites, Elizabeth Drew Scholl and Ashley Richards play the two characters AGNES and MICHAEL.  Set Design and Direction are by BSP’s Artistic Director, David Clevinger, who assembled an expert production team including:  Timothy D. Turner as Musical Director, William Dumas as Lighting Designer, Bonnie Swanson as Costume Designer, and a dedicated  troupe of volunteers. 

Production dates for I Do! I Do! are September 28-October 21, 2007. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings performances begin at 8:00 p.m. Sunday matinee performances begin at 2:30 p.m.   There will be one Wednesday performance on October 17 at 8:00p.m., and one Saturday matinee performance on October 20 at 2:30 p.m.  Patrons attending the opening night production on September 28 will be treated to a champagne and wedding cake reception with the cast immediately following the production.

Tickets are $18.00 except on Wednesday or Thursday when they are $15.00. Call the Box Office at 352.357.7777 or visit www.baystreetplayers.org to purchase tickets online. Group discounts, season tickets and gift certificates are available. The Box Office is located at the historic State Theatre, 109 N. Bay Street, Eustis and is open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and 11:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday. 

I Do! I Do! is sponsored in part by United Arts of Central Florida.

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August 30, 2007 - DISNEY GRANT ALLOWS ENHANCEMENT AND EXPANSION FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA’S OLDEST CONTINUOUSLY RUNNING CHILDREN’S THEATRE EDUCATION PROGRAM.

For Immediate Release
November 4, 2007
Contact: Elizabeth Scholl
407.221.3412

DISNEY GRANT ALLOWS ENHANCEMENT AND EXPANSION FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA’S OLDEST CONTINUOUSLY RUNNING CHILDREN’S THEATRE EDUCATION PROGRAM

Young People’s Theatre begins 2007-2008 registration and offers new classes and audition only performance company opportunities.

(Eustis, FL)… A recent grant from Disney’s Helping Kids Shine Grant Program allows Bay Street Players to implement some big improvements to its Young People’s Theatre.  Enhancements for the 2007-2008 Young People’s Theatre (YPT) education program include a significant increase in class offerings for young people Preschool through 12th grade. Additionally, the grant will provide an increase in the YPT production budgets and the purchase of much needed sound equipment for the outreach performance companies.   Support from Disney will bring the 32 year program to new heights, offer more participation options and broaden outreach opportunities, while keeping the tuition level.

 Bay Street Players Young People’s Theatre (YPT) offers two tracks for theatrical education.  Whether you choose to dip your toes into an introductory Test the Spotlight class or commit to an in-depth experience in the YPT Academy program and TakeTheStage performance project, YPT provides a unique chance for young people to exercise their imagination and grow in wonderful and unexpected ways.  Professional teaching artists lead students through engaging, interactive sessions that provide students with a sense of community, good techniques, self-confidence, self-discipline, and magical memories to last a lifetime.

The eight week Test the Spotlight classes are offered for a variety of ages through 12th grade.  For the first time, a Preschool class is available called Treasure Trunk.  Two sessions are offered either Tuesday or Friday morning at 10:30a.m..  Each week a new story comes to life through creative drama and movement activities.  Sensory and tactile objects in each story’s “Treasure Trunk” provide students and their parent with an engaging, interactive exploration of classic and current children’s literature and nursery rhymes. 

The YPT Touring Company (grades 8-12) presents a production to the Lake County elementary schools in the Spring.  For decades, this free presentation is unique to the Central Florida area and it continues to be an important outreach program reaching more than 6,000 children annually.  For many in the underserved arts district of Lake County, the YPT tour is one of the few opportunities Lake’s elementary kids experience a live theatrical event.

Also new this year is the creation of a Junior Touring Company for grades 2-7.  This group will focus primarily on musical theatre and will present performances in a variety of venues in Central Florida throughout the year.  Placements for Touring Company and Junior Touring Company require a YPT Academy audition and enrollment in the program. 

Since 1976, YPT is devoted to improving the lives of children through the experience, educational training, and performance of theatrical arts.  Need based tuition scholarships are available for all classes through the Bay Street Players Ed Dawkins YPT Scholarship Tuition Fund.  Classes begin the week of September 10 for the YPT Academy and the Test the Spotlight eight week sessions begin the week of September 17.  For information on registration or the placement auditions call the Box Office at 352.357.7777 or visit the YPT section of the website at www.baystreetplayers.org.

The Box Office is located at the historic State Theater, 109 N. Bay Street, in Downtown Eustis and is open to the public from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Now starting its 33rd season, Bay Street Players is a non-profit organization striving to create a showcase theatre that is central to the cultural life and development of the community.

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August 27, 2007 - BAY STREET PLAYERS ANNOUNCES AWARD RECIPIENTS AT A NIGHT OF STARS – 32ND ANNUAL DOLLY AWARDS, SATURDAY AUGUST 25th  

For Immediate Release
August 27, 2007
Contact: Elizabeth Scholl
407.221.3412

BAY STREET PLAYERS ANNOUNCES AWARD RECIPIENTS AT A NIGHT OF STARS – 32ND ANNUAL DOLLY AWARDS, SATURDAY AUGUST 25th  

An elegant evening of entertainment and awards celebrated the 32st Season at the State Theatre.

(Eustis, FL)…The 32nd Annual Dolly Awards event, A Night of Stars, marked the culmination of the Bay Street Players season.   The celebration began with an awards show at the State Theatre and continued with desert and a champagne toast, led by City of Eustis Mayor, Jim Rotella, at A Third Place Pub and Café located in historic downtown Eustis. 

The Dolly Awards – so named because the first show presented by Bay Street Players was Hello Dolly– enjoyed a new format this year.  Fashioned after classic award ceremonies such as Broadway’s Tony Awards, this black tie requested event was fast paced and fun.  Bay Street Players’ board President, Stephen Toth, Elizabeth Drew Scholl, Executive Director, and David Clevinger, Artistic Director were hosts of the evening which served to celebrate the accomplishments of the most successful season in the organization’s history.   

Artistic Director David Clevinger designed  A Night of Stars set for the award presentations and entertainment.  William A. Dumas designed the lighting.  The new format was championed and implemented by board members Jeff Lindberg and Glen Howard.  The entertainment led by Musical Director Timothy D. Turner featured the Dolly Singers--eight performers from the BSP 2006-2007 season-- performing contemporary Broadway musical selections including his original arrangement of Hello Dolly in eight part harmony.

Dolly Award Nominees are selected by a private jury that completes ballots throughout the season.  Bay Street Players is pleased to announce the 2006-2007 Dolly Award recipients as follows:

Dolly Award Recipients 2006-2007 Season

Volunteer of the Year
Frank Barto

Youth Volunteer of the Year
Sarah Redmond

Young People’s Theatre Student of the Year
Philadelphia Shoop

Artistic Director’s Award
Rick Breese

Executive Director’s Award
Lila Shoop

President’s Award
Paula Keenan

MUSICAL

Actress
Stephanie Adams as Becky in Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?

Actor
Ken Rush as Cervantes in Man of La Mancha

Supporting Actress
Francie Moon as Mary  in Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?

Supporting Actor
Steve Merens as Sancho in Man of La Mancha

Featured Actress
Heather Good as the Housekeeper in Man of La Mancha

Featured Actor
Jonathan Olson as the Padre in Man of La Mancha

Female Bit
Irene DeLorme as Prisoner with Earpiece in Man of La Mancha

Male Bit
Al Brosman as Pedro in Man of La Mancha

 

PLAY
  
Actor
James Zelley as Oscar in The Odd Couple
                                        
Supporting Actress
Deborah J. Carpenter as Demetria Riffle in On Borrowed Time

Supporting Actor
Adrian LePeltier as Dr. Evans in On Borrowed Time

Featured Actress
Sylvia Whitney as Nellie Northrup (Granny) in On Borrowed Time

Featured Actor
Ashley Richards as Vinnie in The Odd Couple

Male Bit
Ashley Richards as Mr. Grimes in On Borrowed Time

PRODUCTION OF THE YEAR
Man of La Mancha

Tickets are now on sale for the 33rd Season which begins with the musical, I Do! I Do!.  For reservations or further information, call the Box Office at 352.357.7777 or visit the website at www.baystreetplayers.org.

The Box Office is located at the historic State Theater, 109 N. Bay Street, in Downtown Eustis and is open to the public from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.  All proceeds from the Dolly Awards event support Bay Street Players, a non-profit community theatre now starting its 33rd year. 

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